The Fall 2026 cohort has officially arrived in Perugia!
Our students have traveled from across the United States and around the world to begin a new chapter filled with learning, discovery, and adventure. As they settle into their new home, we are excited to welcome them not only to the Umbra Institute, but also to the wider Perugia community.
The first days of the semester are all about finding their feet, meeting new people, and beginning to understand what it means to live—not simply study—in an Italian city.
Starting with Italian Immersion
The first week at Umbra is rich with orientation activities and cultural learning, including our Italian Immersion Week.
All Umbra students take an Italian language course as part of their experience in Perugia. This reflects an important part of our philosophy: studying abroad means engaging with the place you call home for the semester.
From ordering a coffee at the bar to shopping at the local market, asking for directions, or having a conversation with a neighbor, even a little Italian can make a big difference.
During Italian Immersion Week, our faculty and staff help students develop the practical language and cultural skills they need to navigate daily life. The goal is to encourage them to communicate, explore, make mistakes, try again, and gradually become more confident and independent in their new environment.
New Ways to Engage with the Perugia Community
This fall also brings new opportunities for students to connect with and contribute to the local community.
We are excited to introduce a new volunteer opportunity with the CARITAS Emporium, a community resource where beneficiaries can select the items their families need, from fresh and packaged foods to clothing and other essentials.
Rather than using money, eligible families receive a card with an allocated number of points, which they can use to select products according to their needs and available point budget.
For our students, volunteering at the Emporium offers another opportunity to encounter Perugia beyond the classroom, interact with members of the local community, and better understand the organizations and people working to support the city.
Caring for the Place We Call Home
Our community engagement continues beyond volunteering. This fall, we are also working closely with local institutions on an initiative connected to Settimana della Custodia, bringing students and community partners together to care for and give back to our shared environment.
We look forward to sharing more about the project soon and showing how our students will take part.
Here’s to Fall 2026
For our new students, everything is just beginning. We are happy to have our Fall 2026 students here and proud to be part of the community welcoming them.
Here’s to a wonderful start to the semester—and to everything still to come.
Welcome to Perugia, Fall 2026!